Any half bumper (slimline/ winch) options for the 200?

[borfoo3]

Coming from the 4Runner side, these frame mounted slim bumpers are a popular option for those who want some extra protection + winch / tow points/ lights minus the heft or look of a full on front bumper.. I could not find anything similar for the 200 series. Anyone found something similar?

here's a poorly done rendering as an example:

 

[04UZJ100]

No. Less broverland options for gear on the Cruiser.

 

[tbisaacs]

Practically speaking, this wouldn’t work anyway.

The bumper is two pieces: grill and bumper skin (below the headlights). If you cut it like this there would be nothing for the middle of the skin to mount to.

There are 3 no-hoop options for the TLC:

• ARB Sahara bar
• Ironman premium no hoop
• Hybrid bumper from Dissent

 

[CharlieS]

I haven't run across anything like that for the 200 series Land Cruiser. CBI did something sort of like that for a LX570 for Rochelle Croft.

The closest I've seen for a land cruiser is the Trail Tailor Hidden winch mount, but it doesn't have a large exposed steel portion like the one you showed.

Side note, I'm not sure I get the intent of these. I don't have issues hitting the front of my bumper (although sometimes the outer corners scrape rocks - this wouldn't help with that), and it doesn't improve approach angle. It doesnt improve winch spool/line access, and it doesn't even make room for larger tires. The only benefit that I can see is maybe better recovery points? Maybe for someone pulling you - but you wouldn't want to set up a double line pull to the same frame mounting point because of the forces involved. It seems more like an asthetic modification.

 

[borfoo3]

I haven't run across anything like that for the 200 series Land Cruiser. CBI did something sort of like that for a LX570 for Rochelle Croft.

The closest I've seen for a land cruiser is the Trail Tailor Hidden winch mount, but it doesn't have a large exposed steel portion like the one you showed.

Side note, I'm not sure I get the intent of these. I dont have issues hitting the front of my bumper, sometimes the outer corners scrape rocks. This wouldn't help with that, and it doesn't improve approach angle. It doesnt improve winch access, and it doesn't even make room for larger tires. The knly benwfit i can see is maybe better recovery points? Maybe for someone pulling you - but you wouldn't want to set up a doible line pull to the same frame mounting point because of the forces invloved. It seems more like an asthetic modification.

Where we off-roading it is mainly in sand dunes and zero rocks, so we don't really need the bulk of a full bumper. These half bumpers are just as strong as full bumpers when it comes to protection or winching or towing as they bolt to the frame, but you sacrifice some coverage for weight gains. Also less 'overlandy' looking than the full bumpers which is overkill down here.

In sand, you want a bumper that has 2 key points: 1- keep excess weight down to absolute minimum, and 2- with the extreme slops and dune crests all you really need for protection is a solid front bash plate for the radiator from the nose hits.

The hardcore dune guys out here all run baja style tube bumpers but I'm looking for a simpler setup than this:

 

[TeCKis300]

I've been wanting one for my '09 LX as the bumper style lends itself to this. Kinda mocked up the look in Photoshop. Nothing on the market and there's likely not enough volume for a vendor to develop one. Been thinking to take Trail Tailors HWM and skin the outside to get what I'm looking for.

 

[Itsky]

I’d prefer an option like described than a full bumper. at the moment the trail tailor HwM is at the top of my list.

 

[CharlieS]

There are (at least) two criticisms of these hidden winches from a I4WDTA instructor that I took two classes from. One is the difficulty of access to the spool, and and the other is access to the clutch. He was not a fan of them at all. It was kind of painful, since I think my TT hidden winch mount is the bomb. Not being able to see the spool means you cant see the wraps, make adjustments to the way it lays, or easliy know when you're approaching the end of the line. Even if the clutch is marginally accessible in the safety of your driveway, in a recovery situation you may not have access to the clutch when the vehicle is out of position. He also had concerns about how some hidden winches are mounted, but I'm not sure whether that is applicable to the Trail Tailor? Most bull bars I've installed have secure mounting that wraps the frame horns, whereas the TT mounts to the six (?) small studs where the short frame extensions mounted. Is this as secure for pulling 10's of thousands of pounds of load (unlike the stock purpose of holding an aluminum bumper out from the radiator)? I don't know... I'm not an engineer. I do know that it has me considering a bull bar again, where I had previously decided that I don't want one on this build (preferring more stealthy builds).

Side note that he and the other instructors were very against remote controlled winches. Delayed response, failure to respond, and even tales of a remote controlling someone else's winches played into their explanations. I couldn't help but think of the newer winches that only have a remote and no cable option... Their response was to not buy one like that...

 

[highfructose]

You might consider a hidden winch. I think it’s basically what you’re describing except all the extra metal is under the bumper skin. I can’t remember if it’s trail tailor or what the brand was.

 

[Trukk]

I know mot exactly what you asked for, but Dissent makes a "Slimline" / "Half" bumper, that you might consider:

-Chris

 

[Itsky]

There are (at least) two criticisms of these hidden winches from a I4WDTA instructor that I took two classes from. One is the difficulty of access to the spool, and and the other is access to the clutch. He was not a fan of them at all. It was kind of painful, since I think my TT hidden winch mount is the bomb. Not being able to see the spool means you cant see the wraps, make adjustments to the way it lays, or easliy know when you're approaching the end of the line. Even if the clutch is marginally accessible in the safety of your driveway, in a recovery situation you may not have access to the clutch when the vehicle is out of position. He also had concerns about how some hidden winches are mounted, but I'm not sure whether that is applicable to the Trail Tailor? Most bull bars I've installed have secure mounting that wraps the frame horns, whereas the TT mounts to the six (?) small studs where the short frame extensions mounted. Is this as secure for pulling 10's of thousands of pounds of load (unlike the stock purpose of holding an aluminum bumper out from the radiator)? I don't know... I'm not an engineer. I do know that it has me considering a bull bar again, where I had previously decided that I don't want one on this build (preferring more stealthy builds).

Side note that he and the other instructors were very against remote controlled winches. Delayed response, failure to respond, and even tales of a remote controlling someone else's winches played into their explanations. I couldn't help but think of the newer winches that only have a remote and no cable option... Their response was to not buy one like that...

I can see why an instructor would say that and it makes sense. I had a winch bumper on my last ride and while winching these considerations are true.

But it’s also true that a winch bumper is hanging significant weight off the front of the truck, negatively impacting vehicle dynamics 100% of the time youre not winching.

my main concern with a winch is self recovery when alone, so see the end of the spool, is a non issue. Also, you can reach the clutch. It may not be as convenient. As the with the spool, I’d just sort it out later. Not like you can do much when winching while weighted anyways. Am I wrong?

 

[Itsky]

I know mot exactly what you asked for, but Dissent makes a "Slimline" / "Half" bumper, that you might consider:

View attachment 2722697

-Chris

Such a good looking bumper and truck!

 

[Trukk]

Such a good looking bumper and truck!

Not mine. But I am having the Dissent Full Bumper + Bull Bar and winch installed next week. I do love the half bumper though. If I felt I could get away with a bit less protection, and may have gone that direction.

-Chris

 

[CharlieS]

I can see why an instructor would say that and it makes sense. I had a winch bumper on my last ride and while winching these considerations are true.

But it’s also true that a winch bumper is hanging significant weight off the front of the truck, negatively impacting vehicle dynamics 100% of the time your not winching.

my main concern with a winch is self recovery when alone, so see the end of the spool, is a non issue. Also, you can reach the clutch. It may not be as convenient. As the with the spool, I’d just sort it out later. Not like you can do much when winching while weighted anyways. Am I wrong?

I don't know, I'm sharing information second hand. My understanding is that you have the most pulling power at 7 wraps for a synthetic rope and 11 wraps for a wire rope. If you're getting that close to the bitter end of your winch line, you may want to make sure you don't unspool everything. Reloading the spool isn't so easy when it isn't exposed. Again, I have very little knowledge and am just repeating what I've been taught. It's probably fine.

 

[Omega3651]

What most are missing in these aftermarket bumpers is function and FORM. The reason why the half bumpers are so popular is because they look great and follow the lines of the OEM bumper. Granted they do lack several aspects of the FUNCTION of that type of bumper but they FORM is there.
The current crop of bumpers lack any kind of form to make the vehicle look attractive the other 85% of the time you aren't crawling over rocks.
The second someone designs a bumper that follows function AND form, performs well and is attractive to look at, they will have a hit.

Some will argue that beauty is in the eye of the beholder however; when the lines of the vehicle aren't congruent, when it doesn't conform to the golden ratio, it doesn't mesh with original design language and looks out of place.

Has no one thought to design a bumper that looks like the original design that offers better approach angles?
Guarantee they would have a hit of they could just shave 2-4 inches off the corners and front end, same with the rear bumper.
Would it kill them to color match with the rest of the vehicle considering how much they already charge for just bare metal?

Don't the color matched ones look so much better?

 

[Gazziza]

Coming from a 5th gen 4Runner myself I kind of agree with you @borfoo3 . There is a lack of variety and style differences when it comes to the 200 series front bumpers and it seems like most of them follow along the lines of Aussie spec bumpers from the usual players, ARB, TJM, Ironman, Dobs, etc etc. However not everyone wants a 200+ lb bumper hanging off the front end. I get it, it should be all about function, air bag compliance, animal strike protection for the outback etc etc blah blah blah. I'm more about choices than anything and I'd love nothing more than to see a Baja style, pre-runner or hybrid front bumper options. If Relentless Fabrication, C4 or BAMF came out with a hybrid tube style bumper for the 200 series I'd definitely rock it. Currently the only bumper I like for the 200 series is Dissent and they are #1 on my list. I'm still curious as to why Slee hasn't come out with one for all years of the 200 and hopeful 4x4 Labs will give 200 owners a look. I get the feeling if I wanted a hybrid tube style bumper I'd have to get a one off custom job done. Time to give Stellarbuilt a call I guess...

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Practically speaking, this wouldn’t work anyway.

The bumper is two pieces: grill and bumper skin (below the headlights). If you cut it like this there would be nothing for the middle of the skin to mount to.

There are 3 no-hoop options for the TLC:

• ARB Sahara bar
• Ironman premium no hoop
• Hybrid bumper from Dissent

A Uneek or rhino bar might be what you're looking for

 

[panerai7]

What most are missing in these aftermarket bumpers is function and FORM. The reason why the half bumpers are so popular is because they look great and follow the lines of the OEM bumper. Granted they do lack several aspects of the FUNCTION of that type of bumper but they FORM is there.
The current crop of bumpers lack any kind of form to make the vehicle look attractive the other 85% of the time you aren't crawling over rocks.
The second someone designs a bumper that follows function AND form, performs well and is attractive to look at, they will have a hit.

Some will argue that beauty is in the eye of the beholder however; when the lines of the vehicle aren't congruent, when it doesn't conform to the golden ratio, it doesn't mesh with original design language and looks out of place.

Has no one thought to design a bumper that looks like the original design that offers better approach angles?
Guarantee they would have a hit of they could just shave 2-4 inches off the corners and front end, same with the rear bumper.
Would it kill them to color match with the rest of the vehicle considering how much they already charge for just bare metal?

Don't the color matched ones look so much better?

Thank you. Those examples above are plain ugly and ruin the looks of the trucks. Especially the Disent one. That’s not a bumper. Why don’t we just rip the front bumper off and mount a winch to the frame. Same look.

 

[borfoo3]

Coming from a 5th gen 4Runner myself I kind of agree with you @borfoo3 . There is a lack of variety and style differences when it comes to the 200 series front bumpers and it seems like most of them follow along the lines of Aussie spec bumpers from the usual players, ARB, TJM, Ironman, Dobs, etc etc. However not everyone wants a 200+ lb bumper hanging off the front end. I get it, it should be all about function, air bag compliance, animal strike protection for the outback etc etc blah blah blah. I'm more about choices than anything and I'd love nothing more than to see a Baja style, pre-runner or hybrid front bumper options. If Relentless Fabrication, C4 or BAMF came out with a hybrid tube style bumper for the 200 series I'd definitely rock it. Currently the only bumper I like for the 200 series is Dissent and they are #1 on my list. I'm still curious as to why Slee hasn't come out with one for all years of the 200 and hopeful 4x4 Labs will give 200 owners a look. I get the feeling if I wanted a hybrid tube style bumper I'd have to get a one off custom job done. Time to give Stellarbuilt a call I guess...

Thank you. Those examples above are plain ugly and ruin the looks of the trucks. Especially the Disent one. That’s not a bumper. Why don’t we just rip the front bumper off and mount a winch to the frame. Same look.

Agree with both statements. I have not found any of the current offerings that don't worsen the look of the vehicle. Yes, I know they're meant for function, but you live with the reality of seeing it everyday vs using it on a trip every now and then... If I had to pick one now, I think dissent is the most 'decent' out of the bunch and available in aluminum for the weight hit.

My experience with the 4Runner is that it definitely had much more options for bumpers that can satisfy most tastes out there. Sad to see the 200 doesn't get as much love from vendors... then again, the customer base willing to invest in the mods needed to wheel a $80+k vehicle is probably far less than a $40k one, so can't blame them for it.

Guess will have to wait for something new to come up, or just be happy with a solid skid plate for now

 

[Blasst]

Coming from a 5th gen 4Runner myself I kind of agree with you @borfoo3 . There is a lack of variety and style differences when it comes to the 200 series front bumpers and it seems like most of them follow along the lines of Aussie spec bumpers from the usual players, ARB, TJM, Ironman, Dobs, etc etc. However not everyone wants a 200+ lb bumper hanging off the front end. I get it, it should be all about function, air bag compliance, animal strike protection for the outback etc etc blah blah blah. I'm more about choices than anything and I'd love nothing more than to see a Baja style, pre-runner or hybrid front bumper options. If Relentless Fabrication, C4 or BAMF came out with a hybrid tube style bumper for the 200 series I'd definitely rock it. Currently the only bumper I like for the 200 series is Dissent and they are #1 on my list. I'm still curious as to why Slee hasn't come out with one for all years of the 200 and hopeful 4x4 Labs will give 200 owners a look. I get the feeling if I wanted a hybrid tube style bumper I'd have to get a one off custom job done. Time to give Stellarbuilt a call I guess...

Yes have to say I would be totally happy with a prerunner type also. I have a Trail Taylor which is an awesome bumper and you could run into a concrete wall with it...but in 40 years of 4 wheeling I have never needed heavy front protection. With the TT on front and a 90# winch, and two batteries one of which is huge and weighs 80# I seem to have about 400# hanging on the front of my LC and definitely noticed a change in handling. It made me look around at all the vehicles that don't need a strong steel bumper at all. So I'm rethinking my position and several things on my rig I would change or not do.